John Martin Vestrem 1859-1944

VESTREM, KNUTSON, KNUTSEN, ROSE, SHRINER, BONSTEAD, BRADBURY, LAGRANGE, BOLTY, STOCKFLETH

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/1/2010 at 18:05:58

Pioneer Passes
John Vestrem, 85, Died Sunday After Long Illness; Burial Tuesday

John Martin Vestrem was born January 12, 1859 near Oslo, Norway, the son of Hans and Anna Vestrem, and passed away at his home on South 1st street in Estherville, Iowa, April 9, 1944, at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 27 days, after three years of illness.

He came to this country at the age of 20 years and two years later was united in marriage to Maria Knutson. To this union nine children were born, namely: Mrs. Belle Rose, Mrs. Hilda Shriner of Estherville, Mrs. Cora Bonstead of Graettinger, Mrs. Lulu Bradbury of Alhambra, California, Mrs. Leddie LaGrange of Tama, Iowa, Lynn Vestrem, Mrs. Rose Bolty of Estherville, Mrs. Gladys Stockfleth of Lake Park, Iowa and Vivian Vestrem of Estherville, two of which preceded him in death, Lynn passing away in March, 1938 and Mrs. Rose in October of the same year. Besides his wife and the above-mentioned children, he is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The deceased was engaged in farming for many years near Pocahontas, Iowa, the family then moving to Estherville in1899, where he was in railroad service until his retirement in 1922. He was very active and enjoyed the best of health until three years ago, when he suffered a paralytic stroke, from which he never fully recovered. Although confined to his home entirely the last two years, he was a patient sufferer and always enjoyed visiting with those who came to call.

Mr. Vestrem was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith while in his childhood Norway.

Out of town relatives who attended services were Mr. and Mrs. F.D. Rose, Chicago, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Bonstead, Graettinger, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Stockfleth, Lake Park, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. LaGrange, Tama, Mrs. Lulu Bradbury, Alhambra, Calif., Mr. and Mrs. F. H. [unreadable] Mrs. Lynn Vestrem of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ed.Vestrem and Mrs. [unreadable] of Worthington, Minn. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, April 13, 1944)

J. M. Vestrem of Estherville, father of Mrs. John Stockfleth, passed away Easter Sunday morning gat his home after a three year illness following a stroke. He was 85 years old. He leaves his wife 83 years old who is also an invalid and seven daughters. They are Mrs. Hilda Shriner who lived with her parents and cared for them for some time, Mrs. A. J. Bonestead of Graettinger, Mrs. C. W. Bradbury of Alhambra, Calif., Mrs. H. R. LaGrange of Tama, Iowa, Mrs. C. L. Bolty and Miss Vivian Vestrem of Estherville and Mrs. John Stockfleth of Lake Park. A son and daughter passed away six years ago. (Spirit Lake Beacon, Spirit Lake, IA, April 13, 1944)